Math Strategy: Doubles and Near Doubles

Math strategy: Doubles and Near Doubles

Math strand: Number Sense and Numeration

French Videos:
Doubles Difference of 2

Doubles +1

Overview:
Doubles are facts that have two addends that are the same. By familiarizing themselves with the doubles facts, students can efficiently use them to solve near-doubles problems. Near-doubles are facts that have one added that is one more than the other addend. Students need to be comfortable with their doubles before they can attempt to use this strategy effectively. Doubles and near doubles appear in the Addition & Subtraction continuum.  Doubling, a similar strategy, can be found on the multiplication/division continuum.

Addition and Subtraction:

Multiplication and Division: 


How this supports student learning:
To ensure students grasp what is happening when they double have them build the amount with a concrete item, like snap cubes, and then double it.
Once students have automatic recall of their doubles facts they will be able to transfer this to solving questions with near doubles.




Being familiar with doubles and near doubles makes repeated addition much easier as well. For example, 12x6 can be seen as 12 groups of 6. If students are comfortable with doubling, they might do this:  6+6, 6+6, 6+6, 6+6, 6+6, 6+6.

When students are comfortable with their doubles facts, this will support their understanding of multiplication tables. For example, the two times tables (doubling 2’s) can then use these facts for the three times tables. For example, if 2x4 is 8, then 3x4 is 8 plus one more 4.

Where to next: 
There are many games and activities that can be used to support doubles and near doubles practice.
In the Lawson text, What To Look For, there is a mini lesson for whole class or small groups around the doubles/near doubles strategy (pg. 199).



In the Guides To Effective Instruction, Vol. 5 (pg. 72-76), there are many games to support this strategy, such as:
• Concentrating on Doubles
• Magic Doubles
• Over-Easy Doubles
• Snappy Doubles
• Find a Friendly Neighbour
• Spinning for Near-Doubles

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